ON Tuesday, January 25 just before 2 a.m., the New Westminster Police Department responded to an assault in progress in the 800-block of Surrey Street. Patrol members witnessed a male assaulting a female. Upon seeing the police, the suspect ran into the home and locked the doors.

Patrol members attended to the victim while attempting to negotiate the surrender of the suspect. Due to the suspect refusing to exit the home, the Lower Mainland District Emergency Response Team and Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Services were deployed to assist with the arrest. After the deployment of diversionary devices and less lethal chemical agents, the suspect was located inside the residence and was taken into custody.

The victim was transported to Royal Columbian Hospital with serious injuries and she is in stable condition and communicating with police.

The NWPD will be recommending charges against a 25-year-old Coquitlam resident for aggravated assault.

“We’re still in the early stages of this investigation and are attempting to determine how the victim and the suspect are known to each other and what lead to the assault,” said Sgt. Sanjay Kumar. “We thank neighbours in the area for their patience and cooperation as we took this suspect into custody.”